Top Gifts Under $50 for the Knitting or Crochet Enthusiast

If you have a knitter or crocheter in your life, you know the level of obsession that the hobby can be taken to. Whether the stitcher you love knits 2 hours or 20 hours a week, he or she is sure to appreciate one of the items below. Let her knitting or crochet time be more enjoyable with one of the gifts below.

1. Tools
It may appear, to the un-knitterly eye, that she has every tool known to mankind that could be used in any situation, from straight stitching to the occasional cro-tastrophy. An exquisite hook or pair of needles, such as those by Lantern Moon (www.lanternmoon.com), Greydog (search on ebay.com), or

Brittany
(www.brittanyneedles.com) might be perfect for gifts around $20.

For a bit more, a set of interchangeable circular needles is definitely in order. If she doesn't have this type of needle set, she needs them! Several brands are available. The Boye Needlemaster kit, with sizes 2-15, runs approximately $40 or more, depending on sale price. The Denise Interchangeable Needle package is $50 at www.patternworks.com and has size 5 to 15 needles. The KnitPicks Options line, is $60 at knitpicks.com, and has sizes 4 to 11. The KnitPicks Options line is new and is very good quality, it is also enclosed in a nifty organizer. I heartily recommend the KnitPicks set!

2. Yarns
Lovely yarn is always in style. This may be a hard one for the non-knitter or crocheter to choose, but the easiest way could be to ask her what she wants, or give her a gift certificate to either her favorite store, or to the local boutique type yarn store. The LYS, or local yarn store, is definitely a treat for those of us that normally shop at Michael's and she would probably love the gift certificate, whether or not she shops at the

LYS
. An online version of this would be giving a gift certificate to a yarn store such as www.patternworks.com or to any store on the advertiser's page of www.knitty.com.

3. Books
There are many knitting and crochet books out there. Give the crocheter on your list Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet or the knitter the Encyclopedia of Knitting. A magazine subscription or two is also welcome most of the time. "Vogue Knitting" or "Crochet! Magazine" are two great options. Find a copy on your local newsstand and wrap it with a note that you've given them a subscription! Other pattern books are also good options. Find one that is tailored to the type of stitching she seems to enjoy most, and then get the one with the prettiest pictures!

4. Related but not Knitting or Crochet
There are also several related crafts that your stitcher may be itching to try, but hasn't purchased the materials herself. A
beautiful spindle with fiber and how-to book would be a great gift for the fiber artist in your life. Lovely yarn spinning kits can be found www.spunkyhats.com and the owner is a great gal who is sure to help you out! Felting is also hot-hot-hot right now, so some wool yarn in several colors (ask the clerk which to use!) and a felting book may also be in order. Needle felting is also gaining more interest recently. Needle felting kits may be found at www.livingfelt.com.

5. Purely Scrumptious Treats
Other items your stitcher might love include a needle roll or knitting bag, a shawl pin, or gift certificate to a local class or event. There are many lovely tote bag and tool cases to choose from, an instant classic is the knitting bags by young entrepreneur Jordana Paige at www.jordanapaige.com. Her many styles of purses offer stylish portability to the knitting or crochet project. Shawl pins come in many shapes, sizes, and price ranges, from the simple "stick" type to lovely and ornate jewelry pins. Look at your local

LYS
, www.patternworks.com and www.whiteliesdesigns.com to find several different types.

Check your local yarn stores for classes and meetings, and give her a gift certificate. Most stitchers would love to participate in local events and a gift might push her into the fun that can be had with stitching circles. Also, check with the Crochet Guild of American and The Knitting Guild of America for crocheting and knitting related events. If you are lucky enough to live near a location for the conventions, encourage your gift recipient to attend, they are amazing events filled with inspiration!